Families are being urged to get active and take part in a two-day health and fitness festival.

GoFest, which is being supported by the M.E.N, will take place at Sport City, next to the Etihad Campus, on Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, June 25.

It aims to help tackle issues of weight gain and inactivity among youngsters in Greater Manchester .

Figures from Public Health England show that nearly a third of children aged two to 15 are overweight or obese - and the problem is getting worse.

(Image: Publicity Picture)

Festival organisers hope GoFest will get youngsters involved in a range of different sports and give families the chance to get fit together.

Manchester Council is also backing the event.

The town hall’s executive member for culture and leisure, Coun Luthfur Rahman, said: “GoFest gives families the opportunity to try out a huge range of sporting activities together, with the emphasis firmly on enjoyment and learning new skills.”

Read More

There will be a range of activities taking place on the day, from archery, hockey and water polo to nerf wars, kayaking and breakdancing.

It will also include free coaching sessions in a multitude of sports, classes, runs and competitions.

Top-level coaches from Sale Sharks, England Netball, Manchester Giants, Salford Red Devils and Lancashire County Cricket Club will be there too, giving families guidance and support whilst they play.

GoFest will offer plenty of sporting fun this June

It’s not all sweaty stuff either – there are designated chill out areas, places to eat, and some great live music in the early evening.

Famous faces are supporting the event, including former Olympic athlete Rodger Black and retired badminton player Gail Emms.

GoFest ambassador, Roger Black, said: “It’s just a brilliant weekend of fun and variety, and I think variety is the key with so many people playing sports they have never tried or maybe even seen before.”